Lyons: MVC could seek more expansion after Valparaiso addition

Posted on May 10, 2017

Illinois State Athletics Director Larry Lyons said the Missouri Valley will continue to explore whether more schools could be added. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By Eric Stock

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Valley Conference awaits Valparaiso’s vote to join the league after league presidents extended the invitation to the Indiana school Monday to replace Wichita State.

Illinois State Athletics Director Larry Lyons told WJBC’s Sam Wood the league hasn’t ruled out adding more schools.

PODCAST: Listen to Sam Wood’s interview with Lyons on WJBC.

“The expansion working group, the committee that helped drive the process, hasn’t folded their tent,”” Lyons said. “They are going to continue to work in the near term and look at how do you move the conference forward and does that include more than 10 members.”

Valparaiso would join the MVC on July 1, pending the university’s approval.

The MVC has also visited Milwaukee, Murray State and Omaha campuses as potential additions.

The Valley issued a statement regarding the invite, indicating there will be no further comment pending the negotiation of terms.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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